Airbus’s EcoPulse Aircraft Powered by Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Unveiled at Paris Air Show

Photo Source - Google

EcoPulse, the wing-mounted, hybrid-electric distributed propulsion aircraft demonstrator, has made its debut at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

[{"selector":"#anim-cd21e686-c900-496b-9878-1fb4b6bf319c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

The project aims to evaluate the benefits of integrating hybrid-electric distributed propulsion to reduce CO2 emissions and minimize noise levels.

[{"selector":"#anim-4bd84163-ace3-4b78-9417-c5e3bd2e529c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

The aircraft features six integrated electric thrusters positioned strategically along the wings, supplied by Safran.

[{"selector":"#anim-8b18ab3f-275d-40aa-968d-dc267cbe8bc8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

The EcoPulse propulsion system includes a turbogenerator, an electric generator driven by a gas turbine, and a battery pack.

[{"selector":"#anim-0a37024a-e3d1-4168-8640-cae761e34ad2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(28.613741208550792%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

Ground and flight tests conducted in 2023 have validated the aircraft's aerodynamics and system configuration.

[{"selector":"#anim-f3271f85-01f5-4c63-a085-6e99507da71c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(20.609963687456702%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

The project is co-funded by the French Civil Aviation Authority and supported by the French Civil Aviation Research Council.

[{"selector":"#anim-df86d9c8-0b4a-4236-899c-d9ad2aa5d83b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(26.14121372102012%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

The goal is to develop a hybrid aircraft for market introduction by the end of 2027, contributing to emissions reduction.

[{"selector":"#anim-8e9813f7-9520-4f9f-89ed-79f4235a8ca7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(54.61149799845722%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google

Airbus is involved in other wing-based research projects, complementing the HERWINGT effort.

[{"selector":"#anim-c27053b7-c4e7-416a-bd95-fb854cb85f3e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.453713692576546%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Photo Source - Google